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Older Adult Fire and Fall Prevention

Discover practical tips to prevent fires and falls among older adults in Minnesota. Learn about smoke alarms, cooking safety, carbon monoxide risks, and more. Stay informed to protect yourself and loved ones.

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Older Adult Fire and Fall Prevention

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  1. Older Adult Fire and Fall Prevention

  2. Minnesota Older Adults

  3. Minnesota 65+ 2015 2035

  4. Minnesota Fire Deaths by Age (2008-2017)

  5. Minnesota Fire Deaths – Metro vs. Greater MN

  6. To protect yourself and those you care about, follow these tips:

  7. Install & Maintain Smoke Alarms • You need working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in each bedroom • Test each smoke alarm monthly • Change the batteries once a year • Replace alarms after 10 years

  8. If You Smoke… • Never smoke in bed, while drowsy or under the influence of medication or alcohol • Use large, deep ashtrays • Let matches and ashes cool completely before disposing of them

  9. If You Smoke… • Store matches and lighters up high, away from the reach of visiting children! • Studies show that about 38 percent of children ages 6-14 have played with fire at least once. • Nearly 80 percent of those children were playing with matches or lighters

  10. Home Oxygen • If you’re using home oxygen, you should not smoke – and family and friends should not smoke around you • Using home oxygen increases the risk of fires and burns • Keep home oxygen and tubing 10 feet away from heat sources

  11. Cooking Fire Facts • Cooking is the leading cause of fire in Minnesota • Top three factors in cooking fires • unattended equipment • combustibles too close • equipment turned on accidentally

  12. Cooking Safety • Keep area clean and clutter-free • Keep cooking surfaces and surrounding areas free from clutter • Clean any grease build-up

  13. Cooking Fire & Burn Prevention • Be careful around stoves! • Wear short sleeves or roll up loose-fitting sleeves • Keep pot handles turned inward • Use pot holders and oven mitts • Never lean over a hot burner

  14. Pay Attention to Your Cooking • Use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food – If you leave the kitchen for even a short time, turn off the stove • Remain in the home if you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, and check it regularly

  15. Three Feet From Heat • 3 foot sphere clear • Kids • Pets • You • Space heaters need space

  16. Candle Safety • Put candles in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders • Place candles where they cannot tip over • Never leave a lit candle unattended • Blow out candles after use and before going to bed

  17. Woodstoves & Fireplaces • Never use gas or lighter fluid to start a fire in a fireplace or wood stove • Never burn cardboard boxes, newspaper, wrapping paper or trash • Use a metal or glass fireplace screen to keep sparks from hitting nearby carpets or furniture

  18. Heat Your Home Safely • Have all heating equipment serviced annually by a professional • Keep combustibles and things that can burn or melt away from heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and water heaters • Never use a range or oven to heat your home

  19. Electrical Safety • Have a professional electrician inspect your home’s wiring at least once every 10 years • Never overload the electrical system • Avoid using extension cords • Use outlet covers if small children visit

  20. Electrical Safety • Replace outlets if plugs do not fit snugly • Use ground fault circuit interrupters in rooms where water may be present

  21. In Case of Fire… • Practice two ways out of every room • Call 9-1-1, preferably from a neighbor’s phone • Know the escape plan for the buildings you frequent

  22. In Case of Fire… • Get out as soon as you discover a fire! • Don’t try to fight the fire • Once out – stay out!!

  23. Carbon Monoxide • Carbon monoxide (CO), is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels burn inefficiently • CO can result from faulty furnaces or other gas appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or cars left running • Have fuel-burning appliances, furnaces, venting and chimneys checked annually by a professional

  24. Carbon Monoxide • Minnesota law requires at least one CO alarm within ten feet of each sleeping area in all residences • Unborn babies, infants, children, seniors, and people with heart or lung problems are at greatest risk from CO poisoning

  25. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning • Symptoms include headache, nausea, and drowsiness • Extremely high levels of poisoning can be fatal, causing death within minutes • Carbon monoxide poisoning usually occurs in winter months, when heat sources may produce hazardous carbon monoxide levels

  26. Stay Active • To reduce the incidence of falling: • Exercise regularly • Join a exercise group • Wear sturdy shoes with no slip soles • Talk to your pharmacist

  27. Take Your Time • Be aware of your surroundings • Be aware of pets • Take your time to answer the door • Consider using a cane

  28. Uneven and Slippery Surfaces • Avoid using throw rugs • Uneven pavement • Seasonal hazards • Use railings • Housekeeping • Grab bars • Non-slip bath mats

  29. Lighting and Stairs • Night lights • Optical appointments • Railings • Outdoor lighting • Address numbers • Housekeeping

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